March 28, 2024
The Military has declared eight persons wanted in connection to killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama community in Delta State on March 14, 2024 when the men were on a peace mission to warring Okuama and Okoloba communities in the area.
The military released the list on Thursday at a briefing in Abuja.
Those declared wanted are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (Aka Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.
On Wednesday, the slain soldiers were laid to rest.
President Bola Tinubu who was the Special Guest of Honour at the funeral of the Personnel, led governors, federal lawmakers, military top brass, dignitaries, and others to pay final respects to the fallen heroes.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla were present to pay final respects to the fallen heroes.
Also, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas led members of the both upper and lower chambers to honour the slain military personnel.
The COAS, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja described the killing of the soldiers as “most barbaric”, saying it took 72 hours after the unfortunate incident to recover the mutilated bodies of the slain soldiers.
He said three of the widows of the slain soldiers are pregnant. He assured the families of the fallen soldiers of maximum supports from the Nigerian Army.
He said, “The Okuoma killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and by extension, the Nigerian State, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five and eight months’ pregnant, 21 orphans and many other dependents which include parents. I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.”
